South Salt Lake has agreed to pony up $2.5 million if the federal government pitches in $35 million to build the Sugar House streetcar.

Last week, Salt Lake City also approved a $2.5 million match -- the other half of a required local pledge -- to snatch a "TIGER" grant, part of federal stimulus funds.

The money would cover the bulk of the cost of the $46 million, two-mile rail line, connecting a TRAX station at 2100 South and 250 West to the Sugar House business district.

Grant recipients are expected to be announced in January. If Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake score the funds, the streetcar could be completed in early 2012.

Rosemary Winters